The Los Angeles Angels brought right-handed reliever Ryan Watson into their bullpen ahead of Sunday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
In a corresponding move, the Angels optioned right-hander Brett Kerry to Triple-A Salt Lake.
#Angels transactions:
•RHP Ryan Watson reports to Angels roster
•Optioned RHP Brett Kerry to Triple-A Salt Lake
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) August 9, 2026
The Angels claimed Watson off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Friday, following the AL East club’s decision to designate the 28-year-old rookie for assignment. He posted a 4.53 ERA for the Red Sox through 35 games, spanning 55.2 innings.
The right-hander significantly outperformed his 5.76 xERA with the Red Sox, though his 4.60 FIP remained consistent with his results through 35 games. Watson has struggled to prevent barrels this season, allowing the most home runs of any Red Sox reliever.
Watson is a Rule 5 draft pick, meaning the San Francisco Giants had the first opportunity to return him to their organization, though they passed on the right-hander.
The Angels now have the roster restrictions and obligations from the Rule 5 draft, meaning if they want to designate him for assignment they must first offer him to the Giants.
Jul 28, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Ryan Watson (56) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn ImagesWhy are the Angels making so many moves in the bullpen?
At Aug. 3’s trade deadline, the Angels completely revamped their bullpen—trading four prominent relievers as they aim to rebuild. Since then, they’ve made a few moves among their relievers to try and patch the holes left by their former relief arms.
Their current bullpen consists of Shaun Anderson, Blake Weiman, Ben Joyce, George Klassen, Samy Natera Jr., Tayler Saucedo, Jose Fermin and now Watson.
Who is Brett Kerry?
Kerry, 27, was one of the 20 pitchers the Angels infamously selected in the 2021 draft, and is just the third player to make his MLB debut for the club behind Chase Silseth and Sam Bachman.
He made his MLB debut in June, posting four innings with two earned runs in his first appearance, and came back at the beginning of August, making two appearances before the Angels optioned him once again. he threw 9.2 innings across those two appearances, and allowed four earned runs while striking out 10 batters.
The Angels likely optioned Kerry despite some solid performances due to their lack of available arms for the series finale on Sunday. Kerry gave the bullpen some rest with 5.2 innings in Saturday’s game, so the Angels likely want a full-strength bullpen as they look to win the series.
The final game of their road series against the Marlins begins at 10:40 a.m. PT.